Our blog | against the grain

Shaving Gel vs Foam

Take a walk down the shaving aisle of your local Supermarket, and you’ll be greeted by an abundance of different products. From shaving gel to foams, to creams, to soaps, - there are so many options to choose from, but are you making the best choice?

Shaving Gel vs Foam: The issue with shaving foam

Canned shaving foam is a staple item in bathrooms across the country; perhaps there’s some sitting in yours as we speak?

These metal aerosol cans have pretty much been the standard in shaving lubrication since they were invented in the 1950’s. It was rather cutting-edge (pardon the terrible pun) technology at the time. No more did you need to use a shaving brush and bowl to create a lather, saving shavers a considerable amount of time and effort.

Fast Forward to the modern day and the people’s love affair with canned foam continues, as many believe that these ultra foamy formulations provide the best protection whilst shaving.

But like a significant other who insists you’re the one but still cheats behind your back, canned shaving foams really aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. If you use a canned shaving foam and find that you often suffer from post-shave irritation, you might be surprised to hear that the can could be the culprit.

You see, many of us forget to consider how this instant super-foam is created. Although it looks like magic, it’s actually the result of a bunch of gases and chemical foaming agents, which don’t tend to be very kind to the skin.

Bear with us whilst we get a bit sciencey… These foaming agents, also known as surfactants, make it difficult for hydrating compounds to penetrate the skin, leaving it dry and more prone to irritation.

Many canned shaving foams (especially the cheaper ones) also contain alcohol, which is also a big no-no when it comes to keeping the skin happy.

Even if you currently use a shaving foam and don't suffer from any visible irritation, it doesn't necessarily mean your safe... Studies have shown that the regular moisture loss caused by long-term exposure to surfactants can cause premature skin ageing. Yikes.

Shaving Gel vs Foam: Understanding the difference

It’s important to note that when we talk about shaving gel, we’re not talking about the stuff that comes in a can.

If you’re a fan of the foam, you might be surprised to hear that you don’t necessarily need a huge lather to protect yourself from the wrath of your razor. This is where shaving gel comes in…

Traditional shaving soaps/creams do rely on the lather to create a protective barrier, but gel, on the other hand, is designed to be used just as it is.

If you’ve ever used canned shaving gel, you’ll be familiar with the vast amount of foam that suddenly appears when you rub it into the skin. Do you see where we’re going with this? If shaving gel isn’t supposed to lather, then canned shaving gel isn’t actually shaving gel at all... Technically speaking, it’s just a different type of shaving foam, so don’t be fooled by the name!

Shaving Gel vs Foam: The benefits of shaving gel

As you mayhave already guessed, we’re rather big fans of shaving gel here at grüum HQ, providing of course that it's made with the right ingredients, and doesn’t come out of a can.

We love the convenience that shaving gel brings to the table. No faffing around making a lather, just slide it on and you’re good to go.

The majority of decent shaving gels (like danne) have a clear formulation, so you can see where you’re shaving. This is particularly handy for precision areas like beard lines. Of course, if you can’t quite let go of your love of the lather, danne can also be gently foamed. Just don’t expect an eruption!

When it comes to avoiding any unwanted reactions from the skin, it’s always safer to keep things natural. Our danne shave geluses a refreshing combination of Aloe Vera, Eucalyptus, and Witch Hazel to naturally soothe and calm the skin. It also contains glycerin, which helps to maintain the skin’s moisture balance. For us, it's an all-round winner.

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